‘I always felt guilty on that score,’ he said withdrawing his hand, overcome by remorse all again, ‘and that made me feel uneasy with you.’
‘I was aware of that, but I couldn’t help it,’ she said reaching for his hand again. ‘But you know it’s all different now.’
‘You’re the life,’ he said, pressing her hand, ‘of my life.’
‘Thank you, but stop it now, for my sake,’ she tried to dissuade him, as he was mixing some more for him, ‘I’m feeling sleepy.’
‘Why don’t you sleep in the hall tonight?’ he said pleading, ‘I like to drink a little more.’
‘Good night then,’ she said yawning, and picking up her pillow, she went into the hall.
Having had some curd rice with a mango pickle, she took to the makeshift bed, and fell asleep, even as she hit the pillow.
I’ve a brainwave,’ said Sathyam excitedly, waking her shortly thereafter. ‘With that booty, you can open a nursing home and serve the sick. That way the bad money would serve a good cause, won’t it? Above all, it will help me get rid of my sense of guilt. Roopa, don’t say no.’
‘Oh, what a love,’ she said, hugging him tightly. ‘I’ll do anything for you now.’
‘Let’s move away the money to safety tomorrow itself,’ he said excitedly. ‘Who knows, there could be a raid soon.’
‘Lie down here,’ she moved away to accommodate him.
‘Why not I celebrate my brainwave,’ he kissed her good night. ‘Three cheers.’
Having bid him good night, at length, an intoxicated Roopa fell into an exciting slumber.